The Citi Bike program in New York City seems like a simple, helpful idea: provide rentable bikes with stations throughout the city to anyone who would like to ride.
For three pedestrians, however, the parking stations have caused them great injury.
According to a report from the New York Daily News, three people who claim they sustained injury after tripping on the parking stations earlier this year are suing the Citi Bike program.
Lashonne Shelton, Howard Orlick, and Diana Mathes have filed personal injury claims, charging that the bike racks created “trap-like” conditions.
Shelton is suing for $1 million over neck, back, and leg injuries she suffered as a result of the fall.
Orlick and Mathes both attribute the bike rack’s color, a gray that matches the sidewalk, as a contributing factor to their injuries. They claim that the bike rack’s color camouflages the base against the concrete.
Mathes said she fractured a bone in her arm and suffered “serious and permanent physical and psychological damages.” She said she plans on suing for $5 million. Her husband plans on suing for $250,000 for “loss of services” of his wife.
A spokeswoman for the city Law Department said, “We will review the claims upon receipt.”
Because of the Bloomberg administration’s deal with Citi for the bike program, New York is indemnified from legal actions. Instead, if the claims go through, Citi Bike’s insurers will have to pay the claims.
As a personal injury attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana, I find this case to be particularly interesting. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
If you have been injured in New Orleans, contact an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance today.
